A Great Disturbance In the Force

Quoting from the great Obi-Wan Kenobi, “I felt a great disturbance in the force as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.”

Many Christians are feeling like Obi-Wan Kenobi. They feel a great disturbance in the force. And, just like Obi-Wan did not know that a planet had been destroyed, many Christians cannot pinpoint what the disturbance is exactly. They just sense it.

Some think it is just a crazy election year.
Some see the natural disasters in the world and think its global warming. Did you know that in the last 12 months there have been 8, 1 in 500-year, natural disasters in the US. Worldwide the number of record breaking natural disasters, like earthquakes, is staggering.
Some see the horrific civil unrest in our streets and they think it’s another civil rights movement.
Some see a rebellious and violent generation, without conscious or empathy, and they blame bad parenting or celebrity influence.

But none of these are responsible for disturbance in the force. These are just some of the ripple effects of destruction from a planet experiencing the birth pains of God’s warning and coming judgment.

So what is the disturbance in the Christian force?

It’s the Holy Spirit shaking us from our slumber and shouting, “Wake up, Bridesmaids! The Bridegroom is coming!!”

This is what Jesus is saying to His Bridesmaids (the Church):
My people perish for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)
They can interpret the weather but they can’t interpret the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:3)
To the non-believer, I will come as a thief in the night. They will be caught unaware.
But you, believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness. So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise]. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 (AMP)

“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.” Revelation 16:15 (AMP)

So, how do we prepare? We study the signs and the seasons that God detailed for us in His Word.

Jesus told his disciples, "If a home owner had known when the thief would come, he would have been prepared and his home would not have been broken into. (Matthew 24:43-44) Jesus has told us, "I have told you the events that will take place in the future so that you can keep watch for the signs of my return."

God tells us to trust Him because He's the only God, there is no other, that controls the future. He tells us to study His Word so we will know what the future holds:
Come closer and listen, I have always told you plainly what would happen so you would have no trouble understanding. (Isaiah 48:16)
Remember the things I have done in the past.
For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me.
Only I can tell you the future before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. (Isaiah 46:9-10)
Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophecy again. I will tell you the future before it happens." (Isaiah 42:9)
From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions." (Isaiah 43:13)

Satan has done his best to rob the church of Bible prophecy. Sadly, many churches today do not even preach on prophecy, yet 28% of the Bible is dedicated to prophecy. When we ignore approximately 1/3 of the Bible, the enemy gets what he wants, people living in apathy and ignorance, unprepared for the return of Jesus Christ. Satan has misled us, telling us prophecy is hard to understand, irrelevant, and unnecessary. He wants to keep us in darkness and confusion, but that is contrary to what God wants for His children.

God tells us to:
Search the book of the LORD, and see what He will do.
He will not miss a single detail...
His Spirit will make it all come true. (Isaiah 34:16) 
And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is the one who heeds and takes to heart and remembers the words of the prophecy [that is, the predictions, consolations, and warnings] contained in this book (scroll). Revelation 22:7 (AMP)
And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time [of their fulfillment] is near." Revelation 22:10 (AMP)

So, how do we prepare?

We watch, we study, and we share.

Jesus said, "Remember I told you that I was going to the Father, BUT I would come back to you...I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do you will believe and have faith in Me. (John 14:28-29)

As the days get darker and evil abounds, we have the blessed assurance and hope that Jesus is coming back for us! (John 14:2-3) But God does not want us to keep this hope to ourselves. He wants us to spread the Good News!!!

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees. Say to those who are afraid, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your GOD is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you!" (Isaiah 35:3-4)

So, my fellow Bridesmaids, wake up!!! Have oil in your lamps (The Holy Spirit) because the Bridegroom's coming!”  And I can't wait! What a privilege it is to live in this season, when all the signs are unfolding before us. We were placed in this time in history for a God given purpose and calling! Jesus said, "When I return, I want to find you working for the Kingdom." (Matthew 24:45) So lets keep up the good fight, let's run the race with endurance, to reach for that prize that Jesus promised he'd bring back with him.  Amen!

Love,
Yolanda
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

I hope I've sparked an interest and desire to study prophecy. Here are some great resources:
Anne Graham Lotz, What Time is it? https://youtu.be/N2aerX_OZPo
Ray Bentley, Signs and Seasons, https://youtu.be/HH4k74AN_uc
Dr. David Jeremiah, Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World, https://youtu.be/-jz4DEljlVw
Also, you will find great studies on current events and how they relate to Bible prophecy by Pastor Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills website.
And, I recommend the Behold Israel app to be kept up-to-date on Bible prophecy as it is unfolding.